Bookies back Alexandra for 'X Factor' victory

Millions of TV viewers will tune in for tonight’s closely-fought 'X Factor' final.

Alexandra Burke is the favourite to win the show, despite a huge surge in popularity for boyband JLS.

Eoghan Quigg, who has become famous for his close relationship with former contestant Diana Vickers, is least likely to win the £1m record contract, according to bookmaker Ladbrokes.

Up to 15 million viewers are expected to watch the final on ITV1. Tonight promises to be one of the biggest TV-watching nights of the year, with the semi-finals of 'Strictly Come Dancing' also on BBC1.

Alexandra is 8/13 favourite to win 'X Factor', while Eoghan is 9/2.

JLS have attracted more money in the final week of 'X Factor' than any other act in the show’s history. The boyband’s odds to win have risen from 9/2 to 9/4 since Monday.

Simon Cowell has added extra pressure by saying that winning the show was essential to secure a record contract in the current economic climate.

Asked if he was going to sign up any of the other contestants, he said: “I’m not going to make any decisions at this time. I think under the current climate I would say it was more important to win the show this year than any other year.

“Like every other business the record business is tougher than it was last year.”

Cowell said that this year’s finals was the most exciting so far.

“It’s the most exciting final we’ve done. I genuinely can’t call it.

“It’s theirs to win on the night. That’s what the final should be about, all about their performance.”

Meanwhile, in a rare show of unity, the North's First and Deputy First Minister urged voters to back Eoghan.

Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness called on everyone in the region to pick up their phones and support the local favourite in tonight’s final.

But despite his long odds, Stormont’s top politicians remain confident Eoghan can prevail.

“Reaching the final of the 'X Factor' is a tremendous achievement for anyone, not least someone as young as Eoghan,” said First Minister Mr Robinson.

“I wish him all the best and would encourage everyone here to lift their phones and vote for him.”

Mr McGuinness said: “It is not often you would find the First Minister and I canvassing for the same candidate, but Eoghan deserves the support of us all in his continued bid for stardom.

“I wish him well, but whatever the result, he has already done us proud.”